Honeymoons last for a long time in relationships
You may have experienced the honeymoon phase if you’ve been in a partnership. This is the time when everything seems perfect, and there is nothing more exciting or important. You’re probably familiar with the feelings of uncertainty when the honeymoon phase starts to fade. It’s easy to doubt the future of a relationship when the honeymoon phase ends.
Experts were asked to explain the reasons behind this phase and what we should do when it ends.
What is the “honeymoon phase”?
The honeymoon phase occurs in the early stages of your relationship when you are excited, and everything seems to revolve around your partner. Lindsey Mestelaar hosts the popular millennial dating podcast “We Met at Acme” and defines the honeymoon phase to be a period when you feel that the other person cannot do anything wrong and your relationship is untouchable.
“You feel like you are both in a magical bubble, and you don’t want the outside world to interfere with your relationship,” said Dr. Neil Wilkie, a relationship expert and psychotherapist who spoke to Healthline. You may start to fantasize about the future and feel butterflies in your stomach.
How long will it last?
The honeymoon phase can last from a few months to a couple of years, depending on the couple and circumstances. The amount of time spent with the other person is also important. It’s more likely that the novelty will fade faster if you spend every day with your partner, rather than a couple who are separated and only see each other occasionally. The love doesn’t diminish, but the newness fades over time.
Some relationships end with a single moment that you can pinpoint. For example, a heated argument could make you see flaws or red flags that you hadn’t noticed before. But, it is usually a gradual change that happens over time. You might start to notice little things that bother you about your partner that you didn’t see before. Or you may realize that you are putting less effort into getting ready for dates. You will likely disagree with your partner more than in the beginning, but you will also learn how to communicate.
Can you extend the time?
How can we ensure that our relationship is on the long side of the honeymoon phase can vary?
The emotional and mental health of each partner can affect the duration of [the honeymoon phase].” Dr. Kristie Overstreet is a psychotherapist who hosts the Fix Yourself First Podcast. If you focus on how you can be the healthiest version of yourself and work on improving your communication with your partner, then this phase will last longer.
If you need another reason to indulge in some Self-Care, the length of your honeymoon can have more to do with how you feel about yourself than with your partner. The healthier your relationship with yourself is, the better your relationship with your partner will be. Prioritize yourself, your hobbies, and your friendships. Work on effective communication so that you can communicate with your partner effectively and resolve disagreements without them becoming full-blown arguments.
The end of your honeymoon phase does not have to be a cause for concern, nor does it mean that you are no longer in love. It might even be something to celebrate. Think about it: You’ve made it through the phase driven by butterflies and physical attraction, and now you’re in the stage where you can truly build a strong friendship and partnership- butterflies aside. Here are some tips on how to keep your relationship happy and healthy after the honeymoon period has passed.
When the honeymoon phase ends, what to do?
What will your relationship really be?
After the honeymoon period, you will begin to see the real person behind the relationship. This is when you’ll be able to get an idea of how the rest of your time with them will go. You may have been on your best behavior in the beginning. Now is the time to start seeing who they are. What are their normal behaviors when they are not trying to impress? You may enjoy spending time with someone at home, but do you also like it when they are out on a date? After the initial excitement, physical attraction, and butterflies have passed, you will get a truer sense of this person and how your life would be together.
Accept the flaws of your partner.
You realize that the other person’s not perfect and, more importantly, stop believing you have to be perfect. They’ll start to notice your flaws, and you won’t try to hide them anymore (read: shaving legs every few weeks instead of every date).
There’s something more romantic than expecting someone to be perfect. (Hint: No one is.) Ilana Dunn is the host of Seeking Other People, and she believes that the honeymoon period should be enjoyed. She said that while it is fun to be swept away in excitement and fantasy, accepting your partner as they are with all their flaws and imperfections will help you build a lasting relationship.
Accept changes in your sexual life.
Couples often point out that the most common sign of the end of the honeymoon phase is a decrease in sexual activity. It is a normal occurrence that every couple experiences at some point. The honeymoon phase is not meant to last forever. It can return after major relationship milestones, such as moving in with someone, getting married, or taking a real honeymoon. To keep the sex exciting after the honeymoon phase ends, Click here.
Celebrate your new relationship phase.
It’s important to enjoy the honeymoon phase as long as you can and not worry about its end. If you’re in a relationship and your honeymoon phase ends, it doesn’t mean the end.
The honeymoon phase ends in healthy relationships that are based on mutual respect and care. Your relationship will be stronger when you get to know your partner, share ups and downs, and create more memories together. This is much more important than sexual attraction or butterflies in the stomach. Dunn said that “it needs to end for the next phase of your relationships to begin.”